You ever notice how some NBA games just feel different even when the standings say they shouldn't? That’s basically the vibe whenever we get a Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets matchup. On paper, it’s a Western Conference squad taking a cross-country flight to face an Eastern Conference team they only see twice a year. No historic rivalry. No bad blood from a 90s playoff series.
Yet, every time Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball are healthy at the same time—which, let’s be honest, feels like a rare celestial event lately—it’s pure chaos in the best way possible.
The Weird Reality of the Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets Matchup
If you look at the all-time record, it’s almost perfectly split. As of early 2026, the Hornets actually hold a razor-thin lead in the series, sitting at 27-26 all-time. It’s kinda wild that after decades of basketball, these two franchises are still neck-and-neck.
Most people expect the Grizzlies to dominate because of their "Grit and Grind" legacy or their recent years as a top seed in the West. But Charlotte has this annoying habit of playing spoiler. Take their preseason meeting back in October 2025. The Hornets absolutely torched Memphis 145-116. Miles Bridges went off for 29 points, and the Grizzlies looked like they were running in sand.
Of course, preseason is fake basketball. We know that. But it set a tone.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
The last time they met in a game that actually "mattered" for the standings—April 8, 2025—Memphis took care of business 124-100. It’s a seesaw. You never quite know which version of either team is going to show up. Memphis might bring that suffocating defense led by Jaren Jackson Jr., or Charlotte might just decide to turn the game into a track meet where nobody plays defense and everyone shoots 40 threes.
Why the Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball Comparison is Dead (Sorta)
A few years ago, you couldn’t mention the Grizzlies or the Hornets without a massive debate about which young point guard you’d rather build around. It was Ja vs. LaMelo every single day on sports talk radio.
Honestly? That debate has cooled off, but for all the wrong reasons.
Both guys have spent more time in walking boots than in jerseys lately. NBA analyst John Hollinger even put both of them on his "All-Disappointment Team" for the 2025-26 season. It sounds harsh, but when you're a franchise cornerstone and you can't stay on the floor, that’s just the reality.
✨ Don't miss: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
- Ja Morant: The engine of everything Memphis does. When he’s on, he’s a human highlight reel. But calf issues and off-court "unreliability" (as the scouts call it) have kept him sidelined for huge chunks of the 2025-26 campaign.
- LaMelo Ball: He’s averaging better raw stats than Ja in some categories, but he hasn't translated that into winning yet. The Hornets are still hovering near the bottom of the East, eyeing the draft lottery while Memphis at least tries to scrap for a Play-In spot.
When they do play each other, it’s a blur of transition dunks and no-look passes. It’s the kind of basketball that makes you forget about the injury reports for a couple of hours.
What to Watch for in the January 28 Matchup
We’ve got a big one coming up. On January 28, 2026, the Hornets travel to the FedExForum in Memphis. If you're looking at the betting lines or just trying to figure out who to root for, keep an eye on the injury report. It’s basically a CVS receipt at this point.
Memphis is currently dealing with a gutted roster. Ja Morant is out with a calf strain. Zach Edey—the big man everyone was curious about—is nursing an ankle. Even Scotty Pippen Jr. and Brandon Clarke are sidelined. It’s essentially Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane trying to hold down the fort against a Charlotte team that is surprisingly healthy for once.
The Hornets have their own issues—Collin Sexton is out with a hamstring—but LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are expected to play. Miller has been the real bright spot for Charlotte. He isn't just a "3-and-D" guy anymore; he's becoming a legitimate three-level scorer who can give Memphis’ wing defenders nightmares.
🔗 Read more: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
The Tactical Chess Match
Usually, the Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets game comes down to pace. Memphis wants to beat you up. They want to force you into tough shots, grab the rebound, and let Ja (if he’s playing) or Marcus Smart dictate a controlled burn.
Charlotte? They want a fire. They want to play at the fastest pace in the league. They thrive on chaos. If the Hornets can force Memphis into 15+ turnovers, they usually win. If Memphis slows the game down and forces Charlotte to play in the half-court, the Hornets' young offense often crumbles under the pressure.
Key Stats to Keep in Mind:
- Rebounding: Memphis usually wins this battle, especially with their emphasis on offensive boards.
- Three-Point Variance: Charlotte lives and dies by the arc. If Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges are hitting, Memphis doesn't have the firepower to keep up right now.
- Home Court: The FedExForum is a different beast. Even a shorthanded Grizzlies squad plays with a chip on their shoulder in front of that crowd.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re watching the Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets game, don’t just look at the final score. Look at the "Points in the Paint" battle. Memphis struggles when they can't get to the rim, especially without Ja's gravity pulling defenders away from the perimeter.
For those looking at the 2026 season trajectory, this game is a massive "vibe check." For Memphis, it’s about surviving the injury bug and staying in the playoff hunt. For Charlotte, it’s about proving that their young core—Ball, Miller, and Bridges—can actually win on the road against a disciplined organization.
Next Steps for Following the Rivalry:
- Check the 2:30 PM Injury Report: In 2026, the NBA is stricter about reporting, but the Grizzlies are notorious for "late-game scratches." Don't place any bets until you see if Desmond Bane is actually warming up.
- Watch the Brandon Miller vs. GG Jackson Matchup: If both young wings are on the floor, you're seeing the future of the league. These are two of the most versatile scorers under 23.
- Monitor the Pace: If the first quarter ends with a score like 38-35, advantage Hornets. If it’s 22-18, the Grizzlies have successfully turned the game into a grind.
The Grizzlies vs Charlotte Hornets might not be Lakers vs. Celtics, but in the modern NBA, it’s a fascinating look at two small-market teams trying to figure out how to transition from "promising" to "contender."